Newfield, Otto, Vassar, Carroll top CMA free concerts

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 – Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, Emerson Drive, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Phil Vassar and Chuck Wicks are among the artists playing for free at the 2009 CMA Music Festival.

The acts, along with Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Jessica Harp and Jo Dee Messina, will play in downtown on the free Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park Thursday through Sunday, June 11-14.

"The Daytime Stage at Riverfront Park is one of our most popular events at CMA Music Festival," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "We have an outstanding lineup of performers, ranging from current radio favorites to beloved, legendary artists. It is a great place for families and individuals alike to come and hear great music."

The schedule is:

Thursday, June 11: Bellamy Brothers, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Randy Rogers Band, Ashton Shepherd, Phil Vassar and Chuck Wicks.

Friday, June 12: John Anderson, Eric Church, Bucky Covington, The Honky Tonk Tailgate Party (featuring Trent Willmon, Jeff Bates, Mark Wills), Randy Houser, Oak Ridge Boys, Jamie O'Neal, Aaron Tippin and Clay Walker.

Saturday, June 13: Bill Anderson, Keith Anderson, Tracy Byrd, Jason Michael Carroll, Emerson Drive, Lost Trailers, Jo Dee Messina, Lorrie Morgan and Chris Young.

Sunday, June 14: Eli Young Band, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Jessica Harp, Joey + Rory, Joe Nichols, Collin Raye / Restless Heart and Darryl Worley.

More artists will be announced soon.